WORLD PEACE VS. HAIRSRAY

World peace takes a back seat to hairspray
for new Miss Universe Australia

A university student has won the title that kickstarted the career of Jennifer Hawkins.

Laura Dundovic, 21, of Sydney, was crowned Miss Universe Australia in Melbourne last night.

Judges, including boxer Kostya Zu, asked the 29 finalists questions ranging from how they would improve the nation and who they would have invited to the 2020 Summit.

Answering a question about helping the world's environment, Ms Dundovic said people should "use less hairspray".

As well as her views on world peace, the psychology student showed off her other attributes in evening wear and skimpy bikinis.

"It would be great to reach the success of my predecessors, but at the moment I am the over the moon to be here," Ms Dundovic told News Ltd.

Miss Universe Australia national director Deborah Miller said the success of past winners Jennifer Hawkins and Erin McNaught had boosted the event's profile.

More than 4800 women contested this year's event.

15-May-2008, The West Australian

Use less hairspray? The Deans of Beauty School are not happy with the new Miss Universe Australia! Not at all! Beauty School's entire investment portfolio consists of stock in Alberto VO5! Beauty School will be writing a letter of complaint to Miss Universe Australia national Director Deborah Miller post-haste, kindly requesting that the new Miss Universe Australia be dethroned for her shocking comment! Laura, if you manage to keep your title, you will NOT be on Beauty School's pick list for Miss Universe 2008!